Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a health system born with the concept of qi, the body’s energy force, which sustains life, promotes its longevity and flows through a network of meridians connecting to organs and running in between the spaces of muscle, bone, and other bodily tissue. Qi can become depleted, stagnate, scattered, or inappropriately shifted in the body. This can have an effect on the blood, organs, and body fluids on a physical level. Ramifications can also be seen in a person’s mental health. Chinese medicine ultimately uses the concept of holistic health while looking at each patient as an individual. Treatment approaches look to the root of a person’s health concern to not only relieve symptoms but also help a person’s body change the underlining cause of what ails him or her.

Q: Will the needles hurt?

Acupuncture is a painless experience. Insertion is gentle without feeling the needles enter the body. At times a light pricking sensation may happen. Qi flow has been known to arise at the site of a point as a heavy sensation, trickling, or warmth. These feelings could surface at other areas of the body away from the needle site corresponding to where the chosen meridian flows.

Q: Does it really work?

Chinese Medicine has been proven with empirical evidence over the course of thousands of years to aid in a person’s health and well-being. Research continues today to study its affects on people. More evidence through the scientific method surfaces every year discovering its assistance to a variety of illnesses and common health conditions. Please look under “Resources” on this website to read more about what researchers are unveiling.

Q: Can I see my western medical doctor at the same time?

Most certainly. It is advised to be in communication with your both your medical doctor and acupuncturist to assure the most comprehensive care possible.

Q: How often do I need to get treatments?

Treatment protocol will be discussed during your first visit depending on the nature of your condition. An acute concern could show improvement after one visit, whereas a more chronic illness could result in treatments over the course of a few weeks to months. Often patient visits will typically be 1 to 2 times per week.